There’s no denying that 2020 has been hard. Since COVID-19 is still with us, we need to find ways to care for ourselves better this year. Here are 12 ways to care for your health, appearance, and general well-being this 2021.
Drink more water.
Let 2021 be the year when you take hydration more seriously. Invest in one of those tumblers that remind you to drink certain amounts of water at specific times of day to meet the eight 8-ounce glasses per day quota, as recommended by experts.
Resolve to sleep more.
Proper sleep helps boost our immune system, which is sorely needed in the time of COVID-19. Let go of any excuses you have and prioritize sleep more this year. We’re not getting any younger, and proper rest is key to being healthier and being more productive.
Find healthier alternatives for your favorite snacks.
There are plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings without consuming too many calories. Opt for healthier stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other farmers’ markets for your groceries instead of the regular supermarket.
Explore acupuncture.
Not many people know that acupuncture treatment is also an act of self-care, especially since it can be both preventive and responsive. Others have used it to blow off some steam after a stressful day or to relieve headaches and other body pain. When your body needs some relief, acupuncture may be just what you need.
Build a healthy morning routine.
So much of how our day goes is influenced by how we start it. Let 2021 be the year when you build a healthy morning routine: Wake up early, do some prayer and meditation, work out a bit, eat a hearty but healthy breakfast. Start your day right and see how much it improves your workday.
Have yourself pampered.
Have your hair or nails done, especially if you haven’t done it in a while, but with the right safety precautions. Choose a beauty salon that abides by health guidelines regarding physical distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitation, and only go if you know you’re not sick.
Listen to self-help podcasts.
It’s easy to get lost in counterproductive media these days, what with all our options. Choose to spend your free time wisely by opting for self-help podcasts instead; they can even be informational, or anything that will help enrich your mind and spirit.
Update your skincare regimen.
If you’re doing the same skin care routine you’ve been doing since you were 12, maybe it’s time for an update. If it works for you, then great, but consider visiting your dermatologist for a checkup, especially if you’re in your 20s. The time to care for your skin properly was yesterday.
Do a digital detox.
The same goes for your digital life; if you haven’t done some digital decluttering in years, consider doing it now. Your digital life is just as important as your physical life; if there are social networking sites, documents, and others that are not good for you, remove them now and start your 2021 with a clean slate.
Go vegan and cruelty-free in your beauty choices.
Being vegan and cruelty-free in general is the kinder route to take; it’s kindness to animals, and the future of our planet. Thankfully, you don’t need to sacrifice the quality of the products you buy when you choose ethical consumption; there are plenty of indie brands that are superior in quality but are still vegan and cruelty-free in their production process.
Go to counseling or therapy.
If you have an experience with trauma — whether in the past year or even before that — consider dealing with it this year. The process of healing may be uncomfortable, but it’s worth every tear and discomfort. Build a rapport with a trained professional who can help you make sense of your experience, and give you the tools to be kinder and gentler with yourself.
Volunteer.
There is plenty of need in the world, and it’s also beneficial to us to extend help wherever we can. One way you can help from the comforts of your home is to volunteer as a sighted assistant to blind and low-vision people. It’s a wonderful use of your free time, and you will be doing a worthwhile service to the members of the disabled community.
It’s easy to neglect ourselves when we have so many responsibilities and with so much going on in the world. But it’s these conditions where we really need to show up for ourselves as well. So resolve to practice healthier habits and allow them to make your life better this 2021.
